SAF armoured vehicles(Terrex) detained in Hong Kong port

[Mr_don_juan]

Originally Posted by hot1168

Bro,
The reason is because we were caught lying ... our ambassador says Singapore is neutral in the South China Sea issue .... but our Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asean meeting agenda and issues to push (China Bully others .....) papers came to the hands of Chinese via Laos (our smart MOFA people loan our papers to Laos when they say they forget to bring during the Asean meeting)...... Top it off our little LEE at Apec meeting in South America says China not longer Center of the World........

Now little LEE sister says Xi uses corruption drive to gain power etc.....

Of course Chinese pissed .....

It's more like he talks too much and acts on the contrary to be deemed as neutral. Making representations that undermines China’s core national sovereignty interests like South China Sea and taiwan.

Malaysia had also decided to remain neutral and not take any position regarding the South China Seas issue by remaining silent and I think we should not talk so much .

[SiaSuay]

Originally Posted by hot1168

Bro,
The reason is because we were caught lying ... our ambassador says Singapore is neutral in the South China Sea issue .... but our Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asean meeting agenda and issues to push (China Bully others .....) papers came to the hands of Chinese via Laos (our smart MOFA people loan our papers to Laos when they say they forget to bring during the Asean meeting)...... Top it off our little LEE at Apec meeting in South America says China not longer Center of the World........

Now little LEE sister says Xi uses corruption drive to gain power etc.....

Of course Chinese pissed .....

Very good to make someone pissed off and some more that someone is bigger and stronger than you . I wonder when the rest of 70% Singaporeans will wake up. Never interfere in someone else's internal affairs .

[SiaSuay]

Originally Posted by sadfa

These arseholes been dictators for so long they say n do anything they please n no one stop them.

Now they offend someone bigger than them, they don't know wat to do n boji to face the consequences n rely on small frys to face the music

Sporeans should grab garbagement n give to China as POW to appease them. let them suffer in north Korea gulag. Bye bye. We don't even need the nine vehicles back
________
Exchange points like POW ma

That would certain save Singapore lots of million dollars of salary . No need to pay them .

[SiaSuay]

Originally Posted by FishnFillet

Who ah? Whose wife look like a man?

This question you also need to ask ? Everyone knows who it is .

[skyleon]

Parliament: Detention of Terrexes against international law, S'pore looks forward to their return, says Ng Eng Hen

The detention of the nine Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Terrex infantry carriers in Hong Kong does not comply with international or Hong Kong law, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

Published 4 hours ago


Chong Zi Liang


SINGAPORE - The detention of the nine Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Terrex infantry carriers in Hong Kong does not comply with international or Hong Kong law, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen told Parliament on Monday (Jan 9).

And Singapore looks forward to the Terrexes being returned, he said.

Dr Ng explained that the vehicles are the property of the Singapore Government and protected by international law. Under the principle of sovereign immunity, property belonging to a country cannot be seized or forfeited. This principle is well established under international law and also the law of Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, Dr Ng said.

"Accordingly, the Singapore Government has asserted our sovereign rights over the SAF's Terrexes," Dr Ng said.

Singapore has informed Hong Kong several times over the last two months that the Terrexes belong to the Singapore Government and are therefore immune from any measures of constraint, he said.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also written to Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying on the matter, he added.

The Hong Kong authorities have responded that investigations are ongoing and will take some time to be completed, Dr Ng said.

Singapore welcomes this response, he added.

"Adherence to the rule of law has been the fundamental basis for peace and stability for the last half century in Asia. It has enabled countries both large and small to build trust and confidence in one another, cooperate and prosper together," he said.

The nine armoured vehicles were seized by Hong Kong Customs on Nov 23 when they were in transit on their way back from a military exercise in Taiwan.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...-return-ng-eng

[skyleon]

Parliament: Singapore must conduct foreign relations as sovereign, independent nation, says Vivian Balakrishnan

Published 2 hours ago

Updated 2 hours ago


Pearl Lee


SINGAPORE - Singapore must conduct its foreign policy as a sovereign, independent nation, even though other countries may put pressure on the Republic, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Monday (Jan 9), addressing questions in Parliament about the Terrex vehicle incident.

"It is natural for other countries to want other parties to act entirely in line with their own national interests," said Dr Balakrishnan.

"However, it is important for us to conduct our foreign policy as a sovereign independent nation, and not be seen as acting at the behest of any other country."

This is essential to Singapore's international credibility, standing and relevance to its foreign partners and friends, he added.

Dr Balakrishnan was responding to Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang GRC), who asked about how Singapore will conduct its diplomatic relations with China following an incident in November where nine Singapore Armed Forces Terrex infantry carriers on their way back to Singapore from Taiwan were seized in Hong Kong.

The vehicles are still being detained in Hong Kong.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...nt-nation-says

[skyleon]

China calls on Singapore to be cautious in handling of detained Terrexes

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Published 2 hours ago


BEIJING - China has called on Singapore to be cautious in its handling of the detention of the nine Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Terrex infantry carriers in Hong Kong, adding that the incident was being handled in accordance with the law, the South China Morning Post reported on Monday (Jan 9).

"I hope the relevant parties can be cautious in their remarks and actions," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a ministry briefing.

"I want to stress that China hopes other nations, including Singapore, follow the 'one China' principle," he was quoted saying. "This is the foundation for bilateral ties between China and any other nation. I hope the relevant parties can follow the laws of Hong Kong, China," he added.

His comments came after Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Monday said the detention of the vehicles did not comply with international law.

He added that Singapore looks forward to the Terrexes being returned.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/eas...ained-terrexes

[skyleon]

Terrex seizure: SAF has changed practices to better protect assets, says Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen

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Published Dec 30, 2016, 7:34 pm SGT


Adrian Lim


SINGAPORE - The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will learn from last month's seizure of nine armoured vehicles by the Hong Kong authorities and has changed its practices to better protect Singapore's military assets, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Friday (Dec30).

Dr Ng added that over the past two months, all levels of government had been working hard to get the Terrexes returned to Singapore, "quietly and out of the limelight where it is more effective".

He wrote in a Facebook posting that more details would be provided during the next Parliament sitting, which is scheduled for next month.

On Nov 23, Hong Kong customs detained nine Terrex vehicles that were on board a container ship, which was in transit in Hong Kong. They were being shipped to Singapore following an SAF military exercise in Taiwan.


According to the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong customs impounded the shipment because vessel owner APL failed to provide appropriate permits for the vehicles.

Dr Ng said of the incident: "For most Singaporeans, Mindef and the SAF included, the detention of our Terrexes by Hong Kong authorities was a low point in 2016 from the defence perspective."

While the Terrex incident has been upsetting to many, Dr Ng called for the issue to be viewed in its proper context.

"The Terrex issue does not pose an existential threat or even a potential threat as say, terrorism does today. And the SAF must not lose focus or allow that one issue to dominate all else," said Dr Ng.

He added: "We are a sovereign and independent country, and we will chart our own future."

Summing up his thoughts on 2016, Dr Ng said there were significant achievements that have strengthened Singapore's security.

He said relations with countries like the US, China and India are "fundamentally strong and healthy".

"We may not see eye to eye on every issue, but that is the norm of bilateral relations between any two independent and sovereign nations," he explained.

Dr Ng said defence ties with other countries are growing through the FPDA (Five Power Defence Arrangements) and ADMM (Asean Defence Ministers Meeting)-Plus.

Singapore also signed a landmark agreement with Australia to provide more space and time for the SAF to train.

"We enter 2017 with uncertainties about the global economy, international politics and regional security, and the ongoing threat of terrorism," he said.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...ce-minister-ng

[skyleon]

Singapore-China relations not a zero-sum game, says foreign minister


Posted 09 Jan 2017 18:40
Updated 09 Jan 2017 18:44



SINGAPORE: Relations between Singapore and major powers like China should not be seen as a zero-sum game, and Singapore welcomes a rising China, said foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament on Monday (Jan 9).

“We believe in an interdependence…that promotes collaboration and win-win outcomes,” he said in response to a question on the country’s relations with China since the November seizure of nine Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles belonging to the Singapore army. The vehicles were en route to Singapore following military exercises in Taiwan when they were held in Hong Kong.

“In international relations, it is natural for countries to want other parties to act entirely in line with their own national interest,” said Dr Balakrishnan. “As a small state, Singapore will from time to time encounter such expectations from other countries, and many of these will be much bigger than Singapore. This is realpolitik.”

“However, it is important for us to conduct our foreign policy as a sovereign independent nation. This is essential for our international credibility, our standing, our relevance and usefulness to our partners and friends.”


He added: “We must also maintain our emphasis on upholding international law and scrupulously respecting agreements entered into with other countries. This is not personal…This attitude is basic to a rules-based international order that benefits all countries and is especially crucial for our long-term survival.”


Dr Balakrishnan underlined the city-state’s adherence to the One China policy since diplomatic relations were established in 1990, and spoke of bilateral economic relations, stressing Singapore’s role as China’s largest foreign investor and conversely China as Singapore’s largest trading partner.


NO NEED FOR “MEGAPHONE DIPLOMACY”

He said he did not believe in “megaphone diplomacy”, when asked by Member of Parliament (MP) Zaqy Mohamad about the perceived discrepancy between the Chinese government’s actions and its media’s portrayal of Singapore.


continue reading here : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/...n/3424732.html

[skyleon]

PM Lee asked Hong Kong leader for immediate return of Terrexes: Ng Eng Hen

The military vehicles cannot be detained by other countries as they are protected by sovereign immunity, says Singapore’s defence minister.

Posted 09 Jan 2017 14:13
Updated 09 Jan 2017 15:29


SINGAPORE: Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong has asked Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung for the immediate return of the military vehicles that have been held at a Hong Kong port since November, said Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in Parliament on Monday (Jan 9).

The nine Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles were en route to Singapore after an exercise in Taiwan before being detained over what the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) described as licensing issues.

Dr Ng said Mr Lee wrote to Mr Leung to reiterate Singapore’s sovereign rights over the Terrexes and to request the immediate return of the vehicles. “The Hong Kong authorities have responded that the investigation is ongoing and will take some time to complete, and that the Hong Kong government will handle the matter in accordance with their laws,” said Dr Ng, noting that Singapore had "welcomed" this response.

“The legal position is that the SAF Terrexes and other equipment detained in Hong Kong are the property of the Singapore Government,” he explained. “They are protected by sovereign immunity, even though they were being shipped by commercial carriers. This means that they are immune from any measures of constraint abroad. They cannot legally be detained or confiscated by other countries.


“This principle is well-established under international law, and we are advised by lawyers that it is also the law in the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region).”

Dr Ng added that Singapore had informed Hong Kong of its position on several occasions over the last two months, both through lawyers and Singapore’s Consul-General in Hong Kong.


SINGAPORE’S SHIPPING OF MILITARY VEHICLES


Noting that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) moves more than 700 military platforms using commercial carriers to all parts of the world each year, Dr Ng said: “Neither the SAF, Singapore, nor indeed most other countries operate on the assumption that our cargo will be arbitrarily seized when transiting reputable foreign ports.


“The SAF has followed these procedures for shipping military equipment for over 30 years without any significant incidents.”

He added: “It would cost three to four times more, and add several hundred million dollars to MINDEF’s annual budget, to ship all military equipment directly from point-to-point.” The Singapore navy also does not have transport ships of requisite scale and capability, said Dr Ng.


Only in the event of “rare” exceptions, he said, would the SAF avoid commercial shipping companies, or apply special considerations if it does, based on security risk assessments.

“For example, for advanced weapon and sensor systems or submarines brought back by the SAF to Singapore previously,” said Dr Ng. “The special measures include chartering whole ships, mandating direct shipments, deploying protection forces or even converting the commercial ships to a State Marine Ensign.”

He again reiterated that the Terrexes did not fall into this special category. “You can purchase the Terrexes and associated equipment on the open market, so they don’t contain any sensitive equipment,” said Dr Ng.

In response to a follow-up question by Sembawang Member of Parliament (MP) Vikram Nair, Dr Ng also affirmed that Singapore would consider commercial claims against the carrier - APL - in the event of losses which may arise from the Terrexes not being returned or delayed in their return.



continue reading here : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/...s/3424088.html

[skyleon]

Shipping all military equipment direct will cost Mindef 3 to 4 times more: Ng Eng Hen
Published: 6:00 PM, January 9, 2017

Updated: 6:56 PM, January 9, 2017



SINGAPORE — Each year, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) transports more than 700 military equipment using commercial carriers to all parts of the world in Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.

And it would cost “three to four times more, and add several hundred million dollars” to the Ministry of Defence’s (Mindef) annual budget, to ship all military equipment directly from point-to-point, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen told the House yesterday, in response to questions filed by Members of Parliament on the seizure and detainment of nine SAF armoured vehicles by Hong Kong customs.

Right now, the navy does not have transport ships with the scale and capability to ship all the equipment, Dr Ng noted. Its Endurance Class Landing Ships Tanks – the largest multi-purpose and transport ships – are due for replacement, and Mindef will consider if it needs to replace them with ships of larger capacity.

Dr Ng added that the SAF’s contracts with shipping companies and agents require them to comply with established protocols and all relevant international and local port rules. “Neither the SAF, Singapore, nor indeed most other countries operate on the assumption that our cargo will be arbitrarily seized when transiting reputable foreign ports. The SAF has followed these procedures for shipping military equipment for over 30 years without any significant incidents,” he said.

There are rare exceptions when the SAF does not use commercial shipping companies, or will apply special considerations if it does, based on security risk assessments. For example, for advanced weapon and sensor systems or submarines that were brought back by the SAF to Singapore. The special measures include chartering whole ships, mandating direct shipments, deploying protection forces or even converting the commercial ship into a government ship using the State Marine Ensign, Dr Ng said. The Terrexes — which were being transported from Taiwan to Singapore when they were seized on Nov 23 — did not fall into this special category, he added.

In response to Workers’ Party chief and Aljunied GRC MP Low Thia Khiang’s question on whether Mindef could have anticipated the seizure of the Terrexes, Dr Ng said that Hong Kong is “an international port with repute, and there is no reason to believe that our SAF assets would be seized”.



continue reading here : http://www.todayonline.com/singapore...es-more-ng-eng

[skyleon]

No need to politicise or engage in megaphone diplomacy over Terrex issue: Vivian

Published: 4:07 PM, January 9, 2017

Updated: 6:36 PM, January 9, 2017



SINGAPORE — Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has called for patience and unity on the issue of the nine seized Terrex vehicles, adding that it would not help to politicise the matter or engage in "megaphone diplomacy".

"It is best that this matter be handled through the legal process," he told Parliament on Monday (Jan 9) in response to questions from several Members of Parliament (MPs). "There is no need to politicise it, no need to engage in megaphone diplomacy. So let's have some patience, give this matter time to resolve through appropriate legal or judicial process."

Earlier, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen disclosed that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had written to Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying requesting the immediate return of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) armoured vehicles being detained by Hong Kong customs since Nov 23.

The Hong Kong authorities have responded that the investigation is ongoing and will take some time to complete, and that the Hong Kong government will handle the matter in accordance with their laws.
Dr Balakrishnan said this was an "important assurance" by the Hong Kong government, and urged Singaporeans to remain calm and united on the issue.

He added: "I hope Singaporeans will take this in our stride, remain calm, understand the big picture, do not panic, and most importantly, do not be divided....This is an issue where hopefully all Members of this House, whether from the Opposition or NCMPs or NMPs, will stand with the government."

Asked by MP Zaqy Mohamad whether Singapore had opened dialogue with the Chinese government on the issue, the foreign minister said "no" and reiterated that it was best to await a legal resolution.

He added: "Our relations with China and our interactions with Hong Kong and Taiwan are based strictly on our one-China policy. We have consistently abided by this policy and understandings reached when we established diplomatic relations with China in 1990, and we will continue to do so."


continue reading here : http://www.todayonline.com/singapore...x-issue-vivian

[sadfa]

Originally Posted by skyleon

PM Lee asked Hong Kong leader for immediate return of Terrexes: Ng Eng Hen



SINGAPORE’S SHIPPING OF MILITARY VEHICLES




In response to a follow-up question by Sembawang Member of Parliament (MP) Vikram Nair, Dr Ng also affirmed that Singapore would consider commercial claims against the carrier - APL - in the event of losses which may arise from the Terrexes not being returned or delayed in their return.



continue reading here : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/...s/3424088.html

Contradiction leh.
If commercial shippers did nothing wrong, sue them for wad. Lose face also want to sue?

Fucking laughable . Write letter can get back vehicles??

Next time hostage situation, write letter n free hostages lo!!! Sibei gong. Who the fuck outside Spore cares about your cb letters
________
Exchange points contradiction ma

[sadfa]

Originally Posted by skyleon

No need to politicise or engage in megaphone diplomacy over Terrex issue: Vivian

Published: 4:07 PM, January 9, 2017

Updated: 6:36 PM, January 9, 2017



SINGAPORE — Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has called for patience and unity on the issue of the nine seized Terrex vehicles, adding that it would not help to politicise the matter or engage in "megaphone diplomacy".

"It is best that this matter be handled through the legal process," he told Parliament on Monday (Jan 9) in response to questions from several Members of Parliament (MPs). "There is no need to politicise it, no need to engage in megaphone diplomacy. So let's have some patience, give this matter time to resolve through appropriate legal or judicial process."

Earlier, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen disclosed that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had written to Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying requesting the immediate return of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) armoured vehicles being detained by Hong Kong customs since Nov 23.

The Hong Kong authorities have responded that the investigation is ongoing and will take some time to complete, and that the Hong Kong government will handle the matter in accordance with their laws.
Dr Balakrishnan said this was an "important assurance" by the Hong Kong government, and urged Singaporeans to remain calm and united on the issue.

He added: "I hope Singaporeans will take this in our stride, remain calm, understand the big picture, do not panic, and most importantly, do not be divided....This is an issue where hopefully all Members of this House, whether from the Opposition or NCMPs or NMPs, will stand with the government."

Asked by MP Zaqy Mohamad whether Singapore had opened dialogue with the Chinese government on the issue, the foreign minister said "no" and reiterated that it was best to await a legal resolution.

He added: "Our relations with China and our interactions with Hong Kong and Taiwan are based strictly on our one-China policy. We have consistently abided by this policy and understandings reached when we established diplomatic relations with China in 1990, and we will continue to do so."


continue reading here : http://www.todayonline.com/singapore...x-issue-vivian

Fucking classic bs.
Say already might as well don't say.

Why was it seized? Don't want to speculate
When will return? Don't know
What have u done? Write letter lor
Will it happen again? Cannot say

Like that earn millions. Fucking joke
_______
Exchange points can say ma

[DonThamh]

Originally Posted by sadfa

Fucking classic bs.
Say already might as well don't say.

Why was it seized? Don't want to speculate
When will return? Don't know
What have u done? Write letter lor
Will it happen again? Cannot say

Like that earn millions. Fucking joke
_______
Exchange points can say ma

Hahahahaa those useless pappies go home fark wives and count money lah, waste time talking in parliament and wasting utilities only